Submergible container with streamline shape

ABSTRACT

A submergible container that includes a plurality of fluid passages formed through a container body to allow a chamber of the container to fill when submerged in water to form a live well is described. In embodiments described, the container is formed of an oval or egg shaped body to provide a streamline contour for towing through the water. In an illustrated embodiment, the container includes a wheel assembly and pull handle to transport the container over the ground. The illustrated container includes a closure that is operable between an open position and a closed position to insert items into the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fishing is enjoyed by both recreational fisherman and professionaltournament fisherman. Tournament fisherman as well as recreationalfisherman often wait until they have returned to the dock prior toreleasing their fish. For example, tournament fishermen typicallytransport fish back to a dock or shore to weigh and measure the fish.After the fish are weighed and measured, fish can be released back intothe water. Other fisherman typically transport fish back to the dock orshore to process or fillet the fish. The time period between when thefish is caught and when the fish is processed or released back into thewater can spoil or harm the fish.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described in the present application disclose a submergiblecontainer that includes a plurality of fluid passages formed through acontainer body to allow a chamber of the container to fill whensubmerged in water to form a live well. The live well has applicationfor keeping game fish or larger fish.

In embodiments described, the container is formed of an oval shaped bodyto provide a streamline contour for towing through the water. In theillustrated embodiments, the container includes a wheel assembly andpull handle to transport the container over the ground. The illustratedcontainer includes a closure that is operable between an open positionand a closed position to insert items into the container.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view illustration of an embodiment of a submergiblecontainer.

FIG. 2 is an end view illustration of the submergible containerillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustration of the submergible container ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view illustration of the submergible container of FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a detailed illustration of a closure assembly illustrated inFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an underside of the closure assemblyillustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an illustration taken from an underside of an alternateembodiment of a closure assembly that includes a spring assembly.

FIG. 10 is a top view illustration of an embodiment of a spring assemblyfor the closure assembly of the submergible container.

FIG. 11 is a side view illustration of the spring assembly of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates a section of the container body including areinforced layer to provide increased wall thickness for portions of thecontainer body.

FIG. 13 is a detailed illustration of lift grips illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a float ring for thesubmergible container.

FIG. 15 illustrates a towline having application for towing thesubmergible container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an embodiment of a submergible container 100 tostore live fish (e.g. large size or game fish) or other items. Thesubmergible container 100 shown includes a portage wheel assembly 101for easy transport as described in greater detail herein. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, the container includes an oval shaped body102 having an inner chamber 104 that is accessible through an accessopening 110 formed in the body to insert and remove fish or otherarticles from the container. In illustrated embodiments, the opening issized for insertion of large game fish.

The body 102 includes a plurality of fluid passages 106 dispersed aboutan outer surface of the container body 102. The plurality of fluidpassages 106 are formed through the body 102 and are opened to the innerchamber 104 to allow the chamber to fill with fluid when the container100 is submerged. When the container is submerged, fluid or water flowsthrough the fluid passages 106 to fill the inner chamber 104 thusforming a live well for fish or game. When the container 100 is raisedout of the water, fluid drains from the chamber 104 through the fluidpassages 106 to provide a lightweight container for storage ortransport.

As shown, the container 100 includes one or more moorings 112 protrudingfrom an outer surface of the container to secure the container to aboat, dock or other fixture. The one or more moorings 112 allow thecontainer 100 to be attached to a dock or boat and submerged to keepfish alive for a period of time. As shown, the moorings 112 include araised body portion 114 having a passage 116 extending therethrough. Ahook or line is attached to the one or more moorings 112 through passage116 to secure the container to a desired fixture.

In the illustrated embodiment, the container includes a tow mooring 112(below float ring 150—described herein) forward of a center linedividing a forward and rear portion of the container and moorings 112rear of the center line. The container also includes one or moremoorings 112 on an upper surface of the container above a midline 120 ofthe container separating an upper portion and lower portion of thecontainer as well as an anchor mooring 112 on a lower portion of thecontainer body 102 that is used to attach an anchor line. Although FIGS.1-4 cooperatively illustrate a particular number and arrangement ofmoorings 112, application is not limited to the particular placement,number or design shown.

As shown, the container 100 includes one or more handles to raise andlower the container into and out of the water and/or carry or transportthe container. In the embodiment shown, the container includes lifthandles 130 on an upper portion of the container to lift and/or carrythe container 100. The container also includes pull handle 132. The pullhandle 132 is located forward of the wheel assembly 101 and slightlybelow midline 120 to lift and cart the container along the ground orother surface. The user grasps the handle 132 to tip the containerupward so that the tipped container is supported by the wheel assembly101 to transport the container.

The submergible container 100 includes a skid plate 140 on a lowersurface of the container. The skid plate 140 is formed of a lubriciousor skid material, such as a nylon plastic, to allow the container to beslid along a dock or other surface as the container is pulled from thewater. In the illustrated embodiment, the pull handle 132 is used todrag or slid the container along the skid plate 140 to pull thecontainer from the water.

As described, fish or game are inserted into chamber 104 of thecontainer through the access 110. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.1, the container includes a float device so that a portion of thesubmergible container 100 floats above a water line. In the illustratedembodiment, the access opening 110 is located on a top portion of thecontainer body 102 and the float device includes a float ring 150located between the top portion and midline 120 of the container body.The position of the float ring 150 maintains the access opening 110above the water line while a remaining portion of the container issubmerged.

In the embodiment shown, the float ring 150 protrudes from the containerbody and extends about an outer circumference of the container body 102.Although the float device in FIG. 1 includes a float ring 150,application is not limited to a float ring 150 and other floatstructures can be employed to restrict submersion of portions of thecontainer as described herein.

As cooperatively shown in FIGS. 1-2, the illustrated container 100 alsoincludes fins 154 protruding from the container body 102. In theillustrated embodiment, the container body includes forward and rearfins 154 on opposed portions of the container. To transport thecontainer, a towline is attached to the forward mooring 112 to tow thecontainer behind a watercraft or vessel. In the embodiment illustratedin FIGS. 1-4, the oval shape of the container body 102 provides astreamlined contour while fins 154 enhance stability and limit tipping.In particular, fins 154 are contoured to provide stability for thecontainer when submerged and/or towed through the water.

In the embodiment shown, fins 154 include a leading edge 160, a trailingedge 162 and a wave like contour between the leading and trailing edges160, 162. As shown, the leading edge 160 is raised relative to thetrailing edge 162 to provide a downward slope between the leading edge160 and the trailing edge 162 of the fin 154. In the illustratedembodiment, fins 154 are sloped at a 30-degree angle.

As previously described, when the container is withdrawn from the water,water drains from the chamber 104 and the container is transported usingthe wheel assembly 101. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, thewheel assembly 101 includes spaced wheels 164, 166 on opposed sides ofskid plate 140. Wheels 164, 166 are rotationally coupled to thecontainer body through axle 168 extending between flanges 170, 172 onthe container body. The wheels 164, 166 are supported in wheel wells 174recessed from the outer surface of the container body. Drain holes 176are formed proximate to the wheel wells 174 and are opened to the innerchamber 104 to facilitate fluid drainage from the chamber 104.

As shown in FIG. 3, a bottom surface of the container 100 includes theanchor mooring 112 to anchor the container in the water. The bottomsurface also includes a drain hole 180 formed through the skid plate 140as well as lift grips 182, 184. To facilitate drainage a trough (notshown) can be molded on a bottom surface of the container body (inchamber 104) to direct fluid toward the drain hole 180. Lift grips 182,184 are recessed from the outer surface of the container body and arecontoured to allow a user to grab and lift a bottom portion of thecontainer to dump content from the chamber 104.

As previously discussed, articles or fish are inserted into thecontainer and removed from the container through access opening 110 onan upper portion of the container body. As illustrated in FIG. 4, theaccess opening 110 includes an opening in the container body and closure200 that covers the opening in the container body. Closure 200 connectsto the container body through hinges 202 so that in an open position,access is provided to chamber 104 through the opening in the containerbody. In a closed position, the closure 200 restricts access to thechamber 104. Closure 200 is opened and closed using handle 203 onclosure 200.

As shown, hinges 202 connect closure 200 to the container body alongseam 204. As shown, hinges 202 are recessed in indent 205 on thecontainer body and closure 200 so that the hinges 202 are flush with anupper surface of the container body and closure 200 as shown in moredetail in FIG. 5. In an illustrated embodiment, hinges 202 are nylonplastic hinges with nylon plastic rivets, although other non-corrosivehinges may be used to connect closure 200 to the container body 102.

As shown in FIGS. 4-5, closure 200 is locked in a closed position usinga hasp latch 206 and butterfly latches 208. In the illustratedembodiment, butterfly latches 208 include a latch arm 216 and raisedlock detents 218 and raised unlock detents 220 as shown more clearly inFIG. 5. Latch arm 216 is rotationally coupled to the container body 102and rotates between an unlocked position and locked position (shown inFIGS. 4-5) defined by lock detents 218 and unlock detents 220,respectively. In the locked position, the arm 216 of the butterfly latchrestricts rotation of the closure 200 so that the closure 200 will notopen until the latch arm 216 is rotated to the unlocked position.

In the embodiment shown, the closure 200 includes a nested closure 210which is opens to provide quick access to chamber 104 through an openingin the closure 200. Closure 200 pivots outwardly along seam 204 asillustrated by arrow 236 and closure 210 pivots inwardly along seam 237as illustrated by arrow 238 in FIG. 6. As shown, a groove 239 is formedalong the seam 237 between closure 200 and closure 210. Groove 239 isdesigned with sufficient depth and width to prevent fingers from beingpinched when the closure 210 is opened and closed. As shown in FIG. 5,closure 210 includes a contoured recession 230 and finger holes 232which are described in more detail herein. Closure 200 and 210 can beflat or rounded to conform to the oval shaped contour of the containerbody illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

As cooperatively shown in FIGS. 5-6, closure 200 includes inwardlytapered sides 240, 242, 244 that taper inwardly from outer edge 240-1,242-1, 244-1 at an outer surface of the closure 200 to inward edge240-2, 242-2, 244-2 at the inner surface of closure 200. Similarlyclosure 210 includes outwardly tapered sides 245, 246, 247 that taperoutwardly from inner edge 245-1, 246-1, 247-1 at the outer surface ofthe closure 210, to outer edge 245-2, 246-2, 247-2 at the inner surfaceof closure 210. Sides 249 of the opening in closure 200 for closure 210are tapered to interface with the tapered sides of closure 210 as shownin FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 6, latches 250 are connected to a lower or innersurface of closure 200 and are used to lock closure 210 relative toclosures 200. In the locked position, closure 210 lifts integrally withclosure 200 through handle 206 to open the container. Also, in thelocked position, latches 250 do not permit closure 210 to openseparately from closure 200. As shown, closure 210 is normally biased ina closed position via float assembly 252. In the embodiment illustratedin FIGS. 6-8, the float assembly 252 includes a float portion 258 andpedestal 256. The pedestal 256 supports the float portion 258 in thechamber to provide a buoyancy force to bias closure 210 in the normallyclosed position.

When the closure 210 is in the unlocked position (latches are opened)relative to closure 200, closure 210 opens when pressure is applied toclosure 210 to access the inner chamber. As previously described, thetapered sides (i.e. three sides 240, 242, 244) of the closure 200interface with the tapered sides 259 (which in the illustratedembodiment includes 3 sides) along the closure opening to limit downwardmovement of the closure 200 when pressure is supplied to closure 210 sothat closure 210 opens separately from closure 200 for quick access.Although FIG. 5 illustrates tapered sides 240, 242, 244, the closure 200and corresponding opening can be tapered along any one of or multiplesides.

Closure 210 opens outward or upwardly with closure 200 using fingerholes 232 when latches 208 are in the unlocked position. The fingerholes 232 are used to lift closure 210 which also lifts closure 200 dueto the orientation of the tapered sides 245, 246, 247 on closure 210 andtapered sides 249 of the opening in closure 200. Thus, as described,closure 200 can be opened via finger holes 232 on closure 210 whenlatches 250 are in the unlocked position to allow the user to shift thelatches 250 to the locked position. Similarly, the closure 210 andopening in closure 200 can have any one of or multiple tapered sides.

As shown, in FIGS. 7-8, closure 210 is hingedly connected to closure 200via hinges 260 along seam 237. As previously described, hinges 260 aresimilarly formed of a nylon material. Hinges 260 are connected in indent262 on a lower or inner surface of the closure 200 and closure 210 aspreviously described. As shown in detail in FIG. 7, the contouredrecession 230 on closure 210 aligns with a recession 264 on an innersurface on closure 200 and the container body to form a slot for quicklyinserting items into the chamber 104. As shown, the slot includes asmooth surface on recession 230 to easily slide item into the container100.

Also as shown in more detail in FIG. 8, latches 250 similarly includelatch arm 270 that is rotationally coupled to closure 210 (oralternately closure 200) and movable between locked detents 272 andunlock detents 274. In the locked position, the latch arm 270 is alignedrelative to lock detents 272 (as shown in FIG. 8) to restrict movementof the closure 210 relative to closure 200. In the locked position, theclosure 210 opens with closure 200 with handle 203. When closures 200and 210 are opened latches can be unlocked to permit independentoperation of closure 210. The latch arm 270 is rotated to the unlockedposition relative to detents 274 so that closure 210 opens independentlyfrom closure 200 for quick insertion.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate closure assembly wherein like numbersare used to refer to like parts in the previous FIGS. except thatclosure 210 is normally biased in a closed position via a springassembly 280 in contrast to the float assembly illustrated in FIGS. 6-7.In FIG. 9, the spring assembly 280 is a tension spring and in FIGS.10-11, the spring assembly 280 includes elongate flexible spring plate290 having an elongate length extending between opposed first and secondends 292, 294 and a spring guide 296.

The first end 292 of the spring plate 290 is coupled to closure 200 atpin 298 and second end 294 of the spring plate 290 is coupled to theclosure 210 at pin 299. An intermediate portion of the plate extendsthrough a channel of guide 296 to secure the spring plate 292 relativeto closures 200 and 210. The spring plate 290 is assembled by slidingplate 290 (as illustrated by arrow 300 in FIG. 11) through the channelof guide 296 and attaching pins 298, 299 through holes or openings inthe plate 290. When inserted as shown, plate 290 abuts stop block 302.Once assembled, the elongate length of the plate extends across seam 237so that flexure of the plate 290 supplies a biasing force to normallymaintain the closure 210 in a closed position unless opened to insert adesired item into the container.

The container described is illustratively formed of a molded plasticcontainer body 102, for example a nylon plastic or other material whichresists heat and cold. In illustrative embodiments, the container body102 includes an upper portion and a lower portion connected along a seamat midline 120 using plastic welding techniques. Example dimensions forthe container body 102 include 4 feet long by 3 feet high, 3.5 feet longby 32 inches high, 3 feet long by 28 inches high and 2.5 feet long by 24inches high. These are example dimensions and specific dimensions of thecontainer body can be larger or smaller than the example dimensions.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, different portions of thecontainer body have different wall thickness to provide structuralrigidity. The locations and thickness of the reinforced areas is amatter of engineering design choice and is not limited to theembodiments shown. In an illustrative embodiment, areas of the containerbody having fluid passages 106 have one wall thickness while otherportions of the container body have a larger wall thickness. In theillustrative embodiment, the thicker wall portions are provided alongseams (or center or midlines) as well as top and bottom portions of thecontainer body.

In addition, areas supporting handles 130, 132, moorings 112 and fins154 and areas surrounding the closures 200, 210 also have the largerwall thickness. In an illustrative embodiment, the increased or largerwall thickness is formed by a reinforcement layer or portion 301 on aninner surface of the molded container body as shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 is a detailed illustration of an embodiment of the lift grips182, 184 at the bottom of the container. As shown, lift grips 182, 184include a contoured pocket 302 recessed from the outer surface of thecontainer body 102. The contoured pocket 302 is contoured for insertionof a user's fingers and includes elongate portion 304 and a curved endportion 306. Also as shown, recessed surfaces of lift grips 182, 184include fluid passages 308 for drainage through pockets 302.

FIG. 14 illustrates detail embodiments for float ring 150. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 14, the float ring 150 has a ring shape body310 formed of a buoyant material such as styrofoam. The ring shaped body310 includes a plurality of tabs 312 spaced about an inner surface ofthe ring shaped body 310 to attach the float ring 150 to the container.Tabs 312 are shaped for insertion into spaced holes 314 about the outercircumference of the container body to snap fit to the container body102.

Tabs 312 include openings 316 which in the embodiment shown areorientated generally horizontally. The openings 316 are sized to receivea line or tie (not shown) which is inserted through the openings 316 tosecure or fasten the tabs 312 relative to an inner side of the containerbody to fix the float ring 150 to the container body 102. For examplethe tie or line can be formed of a nylon line or other material.Although in the illustrated embodiment, openings 316 are orientatedhorizontally, application is not limited to the particular orientationshown, for example the openings 316 can be orientated vertically tofacilitate connection of the float ring 150 to the container body 102.

Application of illustrative embodiments is not limited to a single ringattached to the container body 102, for example, multiple float portionscan be attached to the container body 102 to form a float ring.Furthermore, other float devices can be used to limit submersion ofportions of the container body. For example, an air bladder or styrofoamfill or attachment can be incorporated in the top portion of thecontainer body or closures 200, 210 to provide desired float.

As previously described, the container can be towed by connecting atowline to moorings 112 on the container body 102. FIG. 15 illustratesan embodiment of a towline 330 that includes a flexible rope or lineportion 332 enclosed within a rigid sleeve 334. Clips 336 are attachedto opposed ends of the rope 332 (via knots 333 illustrateddiagrammatically, or other attachments or adhesives) so that the towlinecan be connected to the container 100 and tow vehicle or dock. The rigidsleeve 334 maintains the line 330 so that it does not easily tangle orget caught in a boat propeller.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention and may have varied applications includingapplication as a live well or as a storage container for storing line,rope, lift jackets or other items.

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A submergible container comprising: a submergiblecontainer body including an opening to an inner chamber and a pluralityof fluid passages dispersed about an outer surface of the container bodyand extending through the container body to the inner chamber; a firstclosure hingedly coupled to the container body proximate to the openingand operable between an opened position and a closed position and thefirst closure including a second opening; and a second closure hingedlycoupled to first closure proximate to the second opening and the secondclosure being operable between an opened position and a closed position.16. The container of claim 15 wherein the first and second closures arelocated on an upper portion of the container body and furthercomprising: a float device proximate to the upper portion of thecontainer body.
 17. The container of claim 15 wherein the first closureis coupled to the container body to open outwardly and the secondclosure is coupled to the first closure to open inwardly and the firstclosure include at least one tapered side which interfaces with at leastone tapered side of the opening to limit inward movement of the firstclosure.
 18. The container of claim 15 and comprising at least one latchon an inner surface of the first closure operable between a lockedposition and an unlocked position and in the locked position the latchrestricting movement of the second closure relative to the firstclosure.
 19. The container of claim 18 wherein the first closure iscoupled to the container body and opens outwardly and the second closureis coupled to the first closure to open inwardly and the second closureincludes at least one tapered side which is orientated relative to atapered side of the second opening to lift the first closure with thesecond closure.
 20. The container of claim 15 wherein an outer surfaceof the second closure and an inner surface of the first closure includecontoured recessions to cooperatively form a slot.
 21. The submergiblecontainer of claim 15 wherein the container body is oval shaped.
 22. Thesubmergible container of claim 15 wherein the container body includesopposed fins protruding outwardly from the container body.
 23. Thecontainer of claim 16 wherein the float device includes a float ringprotruding outwardly from the container body.
 24. The container of claim15 wherein the container includes at least one wheel rotationallycoupled to the container body, and at least one pull handle coupled tothe container body.
 25. The container of claim 15 wherein the containerincludes at least one mooring on the outer surface of the containerbody.
 26. The container of claim 25 wherein the at least one mooringincludes a contoured body raised from the outer surface of the containerbody and a mooring passage therethrough.
 27. The container of claim 15and further comprising a skid plate extending along a portion of thecontainer body.
 28. The container of claim 15 wherein the containerincludes at least one handle or hand grips formed on the container bodyto transport or lift the submergible container.
 29. The container ofclaim 15 in combination with a tow line having a first end and a secondend and a fastener at one of the first or second ends and the tow lineincluding a flexible line portion and a generally rigid sleeve about theflexible line portion.